Basement hide-aways, authentic Lebanese menu and a calming atmosphere, what more could you ask for? Sitti is arguably one of my favorite place to eat and recharge WITHOUT the toddler.
On A Sitti Corner
Raleigh has a rich downtown night life to include Watts & Ward, Morgan Street Food Hall and Sitti (pronounced city) Restaurant. Sitti has a land mark location on the corner of S Wilmington St and E Hargett St. The surrounding area is perfect for nights on the town or relaxing dates.
Parking is best in the various parking garages. I recommend using the official Raleigh Parking map to find the best spot for your adventure. If you are feeling brave, you can try to find a parallel parking spot on the street but these are few and far between. I have never had an issue with the parking decks in town aside from some big event days. The decks are well maintained and accessible. I believe all have elevators at this point. If you drive a larger vehicle, you should be OK but some oversized vehicles may not fit some.
Sleek But Traditional
Sitti has procured a very calming yet vibrant atmosphere. The decor is nothing flashy but it is classy. You will be greeted at the door by some grade A staff. We came on a very slow Saturday for lunch so we had no trouble getting a table without a reservation. During dinner on Friday and Saturday, this place is bursting at the seams. Reservations are a must if you are using it for a date night.
I have come here several times prior to this visit but this was the first time I noticed the basement seating area. The ceiling is a little low but at 6’2″, I was still able to walk around without any issue hitting my head. The atmosphere down there is much more private and less echo-y.
On both levels, they do a great job adjusting the lighting throughout the day to maximize the atmosphere and emphasise the calming mood. Considering this same group of owners has several highly rated restaurants in downtown, this attention to detail does not come as a surprise to me.
We have been coming here for 8+ years at this point. Though it is nearly perfect for date nights, it is also great for special events too. There is a massive long table in the center of the main room that looks like something out of a movie.
Food You Didn’t Know You Loved
The food is obviously what you came for. Lucky for you, this is one of the best places you could have come. Kaitlyn and I religiously get a bowl of hummus and polish it off. Even if you do not order the hummus, the pita made in house is served to everyone. I could eat it hot all day if I had the chance. They do have a few crowd pleasers but do not expect to find Americana food here.
Frankly, I was not aware how much I liked Lebanese food until I came here for the first time. This time around, Kaitlyn got the Chicken Artichoke Lunch Entre and I got the Samkeh Harra. These dishes are not huge and are not intended to be. These ARE delicious though. Unlike most fancy restaurants, you will feel full after eating a meal here. And if you don’t then order some more Hummus and thank me later.
The staff here really do treat you like family and never seem like they are in a rush despite always being right there when you need them. I have never had a bad experience with the wait staff and they always seem to show up right as I need them.
We also tried some mixed drinks on our lunch date. Kaitlyn tried the “Phonecian Fizz” that day and loved it. She nearly finished it before the entrees came out. I tried “Jalapeño Business” which had some peppery notes in it . Considering it was as-advertised made me happy. We recommend both.
The Best Lebanese Date Night in Raleigh
Honestly, if you live in the Raleigh area and have a significant other then you need to come to Sitti. This place was made for dates and continues to bring people back. I am looking for an excuse to come back again as soon as I can.
Overall
Sitti is approaching Raleigh icon status as an establishment at this point. Their delicious menu and vibrant atmosphere keeps us coming back year after year. Make an effort to come by if you are in Raleigh and have not had the Sitti experience yet.
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